University Admissions (to a Physics degree)

(Based on what we do in Liverpool)

Description of the cycle that will lead to admission in Sept 2010

The majority of Physics department will follow a similar process

Paul Nolan

Department of Physics, University of Liverpool

All Universities have a quota for the number Home undergraduate students

Financial penalty if this is exceeded

University wants a mix of:

Band A: Medicine etc.

Band B: Physics, Chemistry etc.

Band C: Mathematics, Computer Science etc.

Band D: Arts and Humanities

Physics is set a quota (or target) for student numbers

This can be managed based on applications, particularly within other Science subjects

Late 2008 / Early 2009

Prospectus complete:Includes the programmes on offerIncludes likely A level grade offers or offer range

March – September 2009 NOW

Prepare material / presentations for Open days, School visits etc.

October 2009 to February 2010

Receive and process UCAS forms

What happens to the forms?

First processed by the Central University Admissions group

then

Passed to the Physics Admissions tutor (on paper!)

All application forms are read in detail

All applications are considered, first for basic qualifications:

GCSE English, Maths

Is the student doing Physics at A level?

All applicants are invited to come to a visit day

Wednesdays and one Saturday

Based on our offer range and the information on the UCAS form students applying for a three year degree are given an offer. Offer can be conditional or unconditional

Students applying a a four year physics degree are made an offer after they have attended a visit day

This is based on a recommendation from an “interview” with the student on the day

What are we looking for on the UCAS form?

Clear statement of ALL previous examination results:GCSE and AS (A1)

Clear predictions from the school of likely A level grades

Information in the personal statement that gives us an idea of:

Why the student wants to study physicsWhich aspects of physics are most excitingSome personal experiences of Science / PhysicsSome personal interests / information

Remember entry to the majority of physics programmes is based on A level performance

Other qualifications also considered on an equal basis

What happens next?

Once a student has all their offers they can hold two offers:

One Firmly accepted CF or UFOne Conditionally accepted CI

In June 2010 the University looks at all of its (conditional) acceptances and starts the process to decide which programmes may not fill.

Then discussions start about deciding a minimum entry level for these programmes.

August 2010

Results are published on a Thursday

University receives the results on the previous Sunday

Decisions are made for all departments about who will be accepted among those holding Liverpool as first or second choice. UCAS informed

All those who get the grades asked for will be accepted

Others may be accepted if there is space

Some subjects will go into Clearing – decision Monday morning

Thursday in August Results and Clearing

UCAS know if a student has been accepted, try UCAS track system

If you hold an offer try the University confirmation line, staff there will have the information on whether a place has been allocated

UCAS Adjustment

New system this year (2009) for those holding CF who have achieved or exceeded their offer grades

Interesting to see how this will work

If a place is still needed ring the Clearing line, staff will know if the grades will be accepted. It is best if the student rings or is at least available

If in doubt ask to speak to the Physics Admissions tutors, who will be available. Definitely need to talk to the student at this stage

Try more than one University

Ring early, this is normally a very busy day.

Decide early to ensure the student gets into the University systems for accommodation etc.

Remember

Physics departments are keen to get the best students

Phone calls or contacts from teachers and students are very welcome